Social Workout

Retreat Alert

Detox, Retox in Tuscany

Ponte della Pia at Spannocchia, via Spannocchia.org

In a perfect world, simply lifting a wine glass from table to mouth would get you nicely sculpted triceps. In fact, fitness and boozing don't generally mix. Done in quick succession, however, the experience can be exceptional. Those in need of decompression, please note: The Spannocchia Foundation is hosting a week long retreat, "Yoga, Walking, and Discovery," at Tenuta di Spannocchia from April 30th to May 6th. (Yes, it's high retreat season, and we'll be posting all the most promising.)

Tenuta is a 12th century, 1100 acre organic agricultural estate southwest of Siena -- kind of the Italian counterpart to Blue Hill at Stone Barns. This is your big chance, then, to do downward dog amidst the medieval remains of Monastero di Santa Lucia, and the Etruscan and Roman ruins of the Via Massatana. Your guru is Melora Gregory, a Portland, Maine-based yoga instructor with Iyengar and Anasura leanings. We gather afternoon restorative sesssions extend to wine on the veranda with Tuscan sunset....

As to the meals: All served family style, and featuring meat, eggs, grains, fruit, vegetables, olive oil, and wine produced on the farm. B.Y.O Tofu and Kombucha. Or, seriously, leave that stuff at home.

The crowd may be more Under the Tuscan Sun-inspired than Jivamukti practiced, so hardcore yogis may want to look elsewhere. If you prefer Villas and vineyards to tropical huts and surfboards, however, this may be your thing.

Details:
Yoga, Walking, and Discovery. April 30- May 6th.

Reasons to book: Airfare to Europe is on sale, it's low tourist season, and more importantly, there's space available. $2380 double occupancy, $2600 single occupancy.

Can't make it this spring, but still interested? Another trip is scheduled for Oct. 27- Nov. 2 with Donna Davidge, a NYC based yoga instructor.